Bill Morgan, Students’ Club Chair of 1942, visits Ormond

In February, 105-year old alumnus Bill Morgan took a trip down memory lane with a visit to Ormond. Bill was the Chair of the Students’ Club in 1942, and on his visit had the chance to meet this year’s Chair, Harry McLeod – a very literal meeting of the new and the old!

Bill lived at Ormond during his Arts degree from 1937 and again whilst he trained to be a Presbyterian Minister. It was during this second stint that he was Chair of the Students’ Club, and he later became a member of the College Council.

The Ormond which Bill remembers is certainly a bit different from the one we know today, as he recalled open fires being used for heating in Main Building, and students having to chop their own firewood and carry it up to their rooms! He had an astonishing memory of his time at Ormond, from the room he was in, to the rugby matches he played alongside Weary Dunlop, to the name of his ‘wife’ – the student with whom he shared a study.

During his visit, Harry and Bill compared notes on the Students’ Club, finding that while some things change with time, many traditions have endured, such as the annual Ormond-Trinity rugby match, spooning in victorious teams and the Latin grace. But while they both held the position of OCSC Chair, the function of the General Committee is a bit different these days, with Bill recalling that during his time the GC only met once a semester, and let their subcommittees get on with the general business of the Student’s Club.

At 105, we think Bill may be our oldest alumnus, but we’d love to hear of anyone else of a similar age. Get in touch at alumni@ormond.unimelb.edu.au

Related News

Australia Day Honours 2024

Ormond College extends its congratulations to the members of our community who have been recognised in the recent Australia Day Honours list. The late Mr Max Burnet OAM (OC 1959) has been...

Read More

King’s Birthday Honours 2023

The College extends congratulations to three alumni who have been recognised in the recent Kings’s Birthday Honours list: Mr Alexander J Forrest OAM (1962): for service to youth through Scouts....

Read More
BackTo Top